Saturday, September 27, 2008

A few weeks ago, I had the idea of exchanging Autumn "recipes", since I was in dire need of a few new ideas!...& then I went one step further & thought how wonderful it would be add photos of our own lovely Fall "tablescapes" as well! So I told you all about my idea, asking those interested to please post photos of their own pretty tablesettings, along with a favorite "cool weather" recipe. I was so pleased to have so many of you want to join me! So today is that day,......the "Autumn Recipe & Tablescape Exchange"!

For my own contribution, I decided to set a cozy,... somewhat "everyday" placesetting.....I used one of my own quilts (heididevlin.etsy.com) to start with, which I love doing since quilts "soften & quiet" a table. I then added a combination of brown transferware, adding a "bit of color", with some wonderful orange plates I picked up at Anthropologie,... which have a very "vintage-y" appearance. Everything on this table of mine, is just random,... "bits & pieces". Inexpensive "glass candlesticks" with IKEA tapers.....An old tarnished silver "trophy cup" filled with "tangerine-colored roses"......My "cake plate", another piece of garage-sale "silver", topped off with a "glass dome" covering a funny little "pumpkin", & a "scattering of acorns" from our property back east. I also love to always add a small candle next to each placesetting, which when lit adds such an intimate feel to your table....Here it was done, by simply adding a tiny taper to a small juice glass, filled with flax seeds.

For me, a "charming table" is achieved by using lots of "textures",... along with the mixing of interesting "color combinations & patterns"! It's using the "everyday pieces" we all have,... just arranging them in new & different ways, that make a table come to life!

And in amongst your flowers, dishes & silverware,... be sure & add something "homemade"! Of course here, I have used my quilt,... but I also have added "napkins" that are actually "flour-sack" towels, that I have stamped with a "monogram & small acorn", which lends a somewhat elegant, yet earthy feel to the placesetting...which I love!

And since I am on the subject of my "stamped monogram napkins", ....It brings me to my next announcement. I promised, for all of you that participated today in my "Autumn Recipe & Tablescape Exchange" that I would add your names to a drawing for a set of these lovely napkins!...Well the lucky winner is Elise @ "Nest Sweet Nest"!! Congratulations, Elise!...& would you please e-mail me (heididevlin@gmail.com) the "letter" you would like me to use on your napkins, & I will make them up, & send them right out for you to enjoy!

Now for the "recipe" part of this exchange!...I am sharing the recipe for Ina Garten's, "Pumpkin-Banana Tart"! It is "simply divine"!!! You must make it!.... One of the lovliest desserts you will ever serve at this time of year!!!....

IngredientsFor the crust:2 cups graham cracker crumbs (14 crackers)1/3 cup sugar1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, meltedFor the filling:1/2 cup half-and-half1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed3/4 teaspoon kosher salt1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg3 extra-large egg yolks1 package (2 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin1 ripe banana, finely mashed1 teaspoon grated orange zest1/2 cup cold heavy cream2 tablespoons sugarFor the decoration:1 cup (1/2 pint) cold heavy cream1/4 cup sugar1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extractOrange zest, optionalDirectionsPreheat the oven to 350 degrees F.Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl and mix well. Pour into an 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom and press evenly into the sides and then the bottom. Bake for 10 minutes and then cool to room temperature.For the filling, heat the half-and-half, pumpkin, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water until hot, about 5 minutes. Whisk the egg yolks in another bowl, stir some of the hot pumpkin into the egg yolks to heat them, then pour the egg-pumpkin mixture back into the double boiler and stir well. Heat the mixture over the simmering water for another 4 to 5 minutes, until it begins to thicken, stirring constantly. You don't want the eggs to scramble. Remove from the heat.Dissolve the gelatin in 1/4 cup cold water. Add the dissolved gelatin, banana, and orange zest to the pumpkin mixture and mix well. Set aside to cool.Whip the heavy cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and continue to whisk until you have firm peaks. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture and pour it into the cooled tart shell. Chill for 2 hours or overnight.For the decoration, whip the heavy cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and vanilla and continue to whisk until you have firm peaks. Pipe or spoon the whipped cream decoratively on the tart and sprinkle, if desired, with orange zest. Serve chilled.

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comments:

Morning...I'm just crazy for the dishes you used in your autumn tablescape...but, that quilt... it is a beauty! The Pumpkin-Banana Tart looks like it would be "company special"...I'm off to check the other bloggers. ;-) Bo

Heidi, Your tablesetting looks so wonderful! I love every little inch of it! I have been on the "hunt" for brown transfer dishes for some time---now that I see how beautiful they look when combined with the orange---well, I am going to search harder now! Your little accessories are so great---love the tarnished silver cake plate with cloche, your lovly quilt and the darling idea of the indiviual candles in flaxseeds! You set the bar very high!!!! Thanks for organizing this fun event! Dana PS Terrific recipe, too! Wow, it will be a "fat fall" for me.

Heidi,Your tablescape is so very pretty.I love your quilts.My mom is a quilter.I can sew but want to try some quilting.We are signing up for the gingerbread table runner class and i can't wait.My post is up now.Please take a look when you have time.I love your china and that huge cake plate.Hugs and Happy Fall,Jen

Your table is absolutely stunning, and I love everything pumpkin, so I am going to try that pumpkin tart recipe. Your blog looks stunning, and I would love to take a stroll down that tree-lined path. I must look at all of these links for inspiration. Karen

Oh, Heidi this is just as fabulous as I knew it would be!!! I was actually expecting blue, with white pumpkins, and lots of things from nature...acorns, branches, etc. LOL! Just what I had you pegged for! LOL! But this is gorgeous! Your quilt runner is such a rich color! Love the china! You ought to write a book! :)

I received my swap package from Lori and it was so nice and amazing! Are we suppose to post it the 8th?

Mom, love, love, love your tablesetting!!!! It is so pretty and original and GORGEOUS!!! :) Also, whoever took your photos has a real eye for design ;) haha!!! Thanks for hosting such a fun little day!!! Love, Holly

Heidi- I love everything that you put together! You never cease to amaze me with your eye for color and attention to detail. I was almost too intimidated to post my pictures, but I did promise to participate and I always follow through on my promises.:) LOVE how you used your quilt as a table runner. Stunning, my friend! Lori

Your tablescape is gorgeous! I love the use of the quilt- it makes it so cozy. Your recipe will be on my list to try.

Thanks so much for hosting this swap! I've had so much fun visiting different places and getting inspired by everyone's beautiful tables. There are some excellent sounding recipes that I can't wait to try!

Heidi, Yikes some how I am on your list of participants and didn't sign up. I am sorry, I am thinking I replied to you on a post saying fun idea and there was a mistake. I am so sorry for the mix up. I didn't want you to think I ditched you. I just truly don't have anything spectacular to put on my table right now, but working on it : ) I am looking forward to reading all the recipes.Kathy

Heidi, beautiful table. I too like to use quilts as table coverings. Wow, your table looks wonderful with all your 'bits and pieces' as you say. I really like your blog and enjoy it, even though I don't post much, I really, really like it!Blessings,Debbie

Heidi, your table is so beautiful! I love how you used orange to make it POP and the beautiful quilt ties it all together! I love using quilts as tableclothes too! the acorn stamp you used is just so sweet (I want some of those napkins!) Your recipe sounds so yummy!Missy

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the dishes...I'm in the process of getting my blog set up, and hope to show my vintage brown/white dishes. Yours are just lovely!!! Love the Anthropologie plates too. Isn't that a fun store? Have a great time!!!

Oh Heidi, what a wonderful theme! I wish I had known about it! Can't wait to check them all out! I LOVE your warm & cozy setting Heidi! It is so welcoming and old fashioned, just like Thanksgiving should be!Blessings!

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About Me

Hello Friends!... Welcome to my blog, "Foxgloves, Fabric & Folly"... a journal of my everyday "doings"....I live here in the country with my husband, dogs & cats...I spend my days working as a designer of pillows, interiors & giving home-style classes as well!....Between spending most of my days involved between my home & garden, I also love spending time with my grown daughters, son in laws & grandbabies!....Welcome to my world, here at "The Homestead"!